Despite featuring in King Charles III’s official portrait and being Queen Elizabeth II’s bridesmaid in 1947, Princess Alexandra is still considered an unsung heroine of the royal family.
As the cousin of the late Elizabeth II, she is the sister of Prince Edward the Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent. She goes by the title of the Honourable Lady Ogilvy, the surname in reference to her late husband Sir Angus.
She made the news with a prominent appearance at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and was back in the royal centre on Saturday when she stood between the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in Charles III’s official portrait.
The Princess is not as well known as some of her extended family but was one of the Queen’s closest friends.
Who is Princess Alexandra?
Princess Alexandra was born Alexandra Helen Elizabeth Olga Christabel, on December 25, 1936.
Her parents are the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and her uncle was King George VI, meaning that Queen Elizabeth II was her cousin. Princess Alexandra has two brothers, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and Prince Michael of Kent.
Princess Alexandra married Angus Ogilvy on April 24, 1963, at Westminster Abbey. Royal family members attended the wedding, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, their son Prince Charles, the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret.
Her brother, the Duke of Kent, gave her away, as her father died when she was just five years old.
Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvy had two children together, James and Marina, but they do not carry out official royal duties. Her husband died on December 26, 2004, after a long illness.
Princess Alexandra was created a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) in 1960, and made a Knight of the Order of the Garter (KG) in 2003.
The Queen’s cousin is a working member of the royal family, and a patron or president of more than 100 organisations that reflect her wide-ranging interests, from the arts to health care.
She also supported the Queen throughout her reign and attended important events, such as the annual Trooping the Colour and remembrance events.
